New Hampshire Cosmetology Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Using a toner after hair coloring is primarily meant to neutralize unwanted tones. When hair is colored, especially with lighter shades or when trying to achieve a specific hue, there can be unwanted undertones that emerge. These undertones may include brassiness or overly warm shades that don't align with the desired final color.

A toner is specifically formulated to address these issues. It contains color-correcting pigments that can counteract specific tones; for example, a purple toner can help cancel out yellow tones in blonde hair, creating a cooler, more balanced shade. This is why toning is an essential step in the hair coloring process, particularly for achieving a polished, professional-looking color result.

While toners may also contribute to moisture and shine to an extent, their primary function is to refine the hair color by neutralizing unwanted tones. The other options—moisturizing the hair, enhancing shine, and adding volume—are not the main purposes of toner, but rather characteristics associated with different hair products used in various stages of hair care and styling.